06-20-2007, 02:47 AM
A 71-year-old man presents to the emergency department with fever and cough. He has known hypercholesterolemia and is status post a right hemicolectomy for colon cancer. The patient states that he has had 3 days of fever to 102 F, cough productive of green sputum, as well as general malaise and weakness. His physical examination is remarkable for decreased breath sounds at the left base, left basilar egophony and dullness to percussion. A complete blood count reveals a leukocyte count of 15000/mm3. A chest radiograph reveals a left lower lobe infiltrate. Which of the following is the most important part of the history to ascertain prior to initiating therapy?
A. Influenza immunization status
B. Plasma lipid profile
C. Stage of the colon cancer
D. Social support structure for home therapy
E. Recently hospitalizations
A. Influenza immunization status
B. Plasma lipid profile
C. Stage of the colon cancer
D. Social support structure for home therapy
E. Recently hospitalizations